Tonight is the final audition show before Hollywood!  Yay!!! American Idol says they saved the best for last.  We get to see some of the contestants that they didn’t show us throughout the other weeks.

First we get another look at Larry “Pants On the Ground” Platt and hear how he’s influencing the whole country.  I know I keep singing that darn thing!

Jessica Furney is back after trying out for AI last year and not making it.  She gave herself a makeover and she sings a song that Simon co-wrote.  The judges say she definitely improved and she gets for Yes’s.

Three more Hollywood bound contestants are Amanda Schectman, Lee Dewzye and Crystal Bowersox.  Out of the three of them, Lee stood out to me.  But, once again, all the contestants are blending together and I can hardly tell one from the next.  It will be so great to get to Hollywood and start to get to know the contestants a little better.

Lacey Brown made it pretty far last season, but was cut before the top twenty-four.  She’s back for another try and she gets four Yes’s.

Next through to Hollywood are three sixteen-year-old’s.  I didn’t get their names and wasn’t super impressed.

Michael Lynche had arms like tree trunks and he sang a Righteous Brother’s song that had Kara and Kristen Chenoweth melting.  He sure is a big guy–kinda hot–do you think ladies?

Didi Benami had the first sad story of the night.  Her girlfriend died four years ago and Didi says she’s her inspiration.  She’s a good singer and she holds it together until after her audition.  We’ll meet up with her again in Hollywood.

I like this Pennsylvania boy Aaron Kelly!  Why?  Well, for starters, I am partial to those from Pennsylvania.  This sixteen-year-old comes across as a normal, adorable (judge quote), shy boy who can sing.  I think this kind of kid is what American Idol is all about.  Good luck Aaron!

Aaron’ s female counterpart has to be Hope Johnson.  She really touched me when they highlighted her.  She said that she was poor growing up and that she would save parts of her lunch to bring home to give to her little brother because he would cry from hunger.  How special is she?  She comes across similar to Aaron, kind of innocent and shy.  It will be interesting to see how far she can get in this competition.

So that’s it!  We have 181 contestants moving on to Hollywood week.  It won’t take very long for them to be whittled down to just 12 guys and 12 gals.  Of course, the big draw next week will be our first chance to see Ellen.  I can’t wait!  Stay tuned…Bloggergal1